Ministry of External Affairs
Sherpas jointly start work on co-creating the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration
Four-day G-20 Sherpas' Meeting concludes in Hampi, Karnataka.
The third meeting of G20 Sherpas, chaired by Indian G20 Sherpa Shri Amitabh Kant, concluded today in Hampi, Karnataka. Over 120 delegates from G20 members, invitee countries, and various international and regional organizations came together to jointly draft and co-create the Leaders Declaration in this historic city and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Spearheaded by the Indian Presidency, the G20 members engaged in three days of hard negotiations with the aim to foster transformative, action-oriented initiatives, that is holistic and imbibes the spirit of one world, one family. During these tyree days, Sherpas and Head of Delegations collaboratively worked on the draft of the Leaders Declaration that reflects the collective resolve of G20 nations to drive progress on critical global issues, and commitment to prioritise sustainable development and tackle pressing challenges. The draft text covers the six priorities including the Sustainable Development Goals , green development, multilateral development banks  reforms, digital public infrastructure, gender equality, and incorporates the outcomes from the various working groups.
By ensuring an emphasis on developmental goals, Indian Presidency intends to preserve the G20's identity and ethos as a development forum that brings together developed and emerging economies on a common platform. Consequently, the sessions witnessed active engagement of members, invited countries and international organisations, with the clear intent of drafting an inclusive, ambitious, decisive, and action-oriented New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration to be endorsed at the Summit in September 2023.
Guided by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision, in a momentous move towards inclusivity, the Indian Presidency proposed the African Union's membership to the G20. The African Union, comprising of 55 nations, if admitted, would further amplify the voices from emerging countries and the global south in G20 forum.
The G20 Sherpas also engaged in informal setting at the sofa talks to take forward the agenda of G20 and deepen cooperation and understanding on shared concerns. India also held productive bilateral discussions with several delegations over the course of three days.
“This G20 Sherpas meeting saw a record participation, and all engaged in positive, effective and constructive discussions to co-create the draft Leaders Declaration.” said Shri Amitabh Kant, Sherpa G20 as he addressed the media at the end of the three-day deliberations. He also mentioned that we are in the ‘era of diplomacy and dialogues’ and we must strive to achieve the outcomes that the Presidency has prioritized.
The G20 reaffirmed their commitment to continue to work together to address the global challenges, with a focus on development and growth, climate change, Lifestyles for Sustainable Development, amongst others and take strong collective action. A number of inter-sessional meetings will be held in the run-up to the 4th Sherpa meeting scheduled in early September, followed by the Leaders’ Summit.
The delegates visited the historical sites and monuments of Hampi, such as the Vijaya Vithala temple, Yeduru Basvanna complex and the Virupaksha temple, the Rayas, Hampi museum and experienced the handicrafts skillfully crafted by the local artisans. The delegates also enjoyed the coracle boat ride on the mighty Tungabhadra and participated in the yoga session.
Sherpa Shri Amitabh Kant expressed his sincere thanks to the Sherpas, Heads of Delegations and delegates for their dedication and commitment, and for having travelled to India for the meeting. The State Government, Archeological Survey of India and the Central government worked towards giving a massive uplift to the infrastructure in Hampi. Sherpa further conveyed appreciation to the State Government of Karnataka and Archeological Survey of India for admirable support and the spectacular arrangement to experience Hampi during the excursions.